No one has the right to treat citizens’ lives as a joke, Jamaat chief says on Sajek situation

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday warned against treating citizens’ lives lightly in comments on the situation unfolding in Sajek.

The picturesque valley erupted into violence earlier in the day.

According to the Bangladesh Army, armed members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) reportedly fired 30–40 rounds at law enforcement personnel and tourists during a blockade earlier in the day.

The tourists were rescued and taken to safety.

Commenting on the incident, Shafiqur said, “What is happening in Sajek, located in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati district? It is essential to take clear, decisive action based on accurate intelligence, rather than chasing after false information.”

He said no one had the right to treat the lives of ordinary citizens as a joke.

“Take the right steps while there is still time,” he warned.

Intermittent blockades have been taking place in Sajek since October 11, but the programme was suspended until October 21 for Durga Puja.

The organisations enforcing the blockade alleged that armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS-Santu group) had established positions in several areas of Sajek, including Machalong, Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli Kuti, Noapara, Lambabak and Bhuiochhari, forcing more than 100 local residents to leave their homes.

They said the blockade would continue until their three-point demands — the removal of armed PCJSS members from Sajek, an end to death threats against innocent people, and a halt to law enforcement agencies’ searches of ordinary people’s homes — were met.

The renewed blockade has caused severe hardship for around 30,000 people from the local Lusai, Tripura, Chakma and Marma communities, disrupting movement and the transport of essential commodities.